Speedworld Dragstrip in Northwest Phoenix underwent a major renovation project made necessary after Arizona experienced a lengthy, wet winter and rain took its toll on the quarter-mile surface. Track operator Bill Botelho used the services of Penhall Corp., whose experts milled both sides of the race surface from the 60-foot mark to just past the 1,320-foot mark, after which it was polished and sealed. The track crew then spent many days applying track compound and dragging the surface, and with the help of Carroll Shelby Goodyear used tires on the drag, the job was done. The track has reopened with a smooth surface and great bite. After the first event, racers appeared very pleased with the new surface, including Kevin Knowles, crew chief for John Patton's NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car. "This track has some teeth!" was his comment, one that was echoed by many others, including Botelho after several passes in his seven-second dragster. To view repair photos, log on to Speedworld Dragstrip's website, www.speedworlddragstrip.com.